Christian Institute of Management (CIM) was registered as a Society on September 8, 2000. We have now completed 24 years of service and are moving into the 25th year. To commemorate the occasion, CIM organised a launch of the Silver Jubilee celebrations on September 8, 2024, in Chennai.
Mr. Shyam Winston, the first director of CIM presented “A Gift of Prayer” to CIM on its Silver Jubilee. The ceremony began with his prayer of gratitude and remembrance of God’s faithful hand and careful guidance, paving the way for CIM’s success.
It was followed by the reading from the Management Devotional by Ms. Suganthi.
Ms. Tina Marcus, the Master of the Ceremony, welcomed the esteemed guests, who included Dr. Samuel N. J. David, Chairman, of CIM Society, Dr. Jetty Oliver, Chancellor, SHUATS, Allahabad University, and Rev. Dr. Samuel Meshack, Pro-Chancellor, Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong.
Dr. David, the Associate Director of General Admin & HR – Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, voiced the need for CIM’s work in the education sector, hospitals and other Christian institutions, especially the urgent need for CIM Organisational Development services in hospitals.
Then, Dr. Ebenezer Sunder Raj, fondly called Ebe Uncle, took everyone on a trip twenty-five years ago, to the first year of CIM’s birth. True to what Ms. Suganthi read from the devotional, Ebe Uncle recollected that, through trial and error, CIM keeps growing into what God has in store for it.
After his warm talk, a special video about CIM’s journey was played, reminding once again to everyone present, the call and the foundation of CIM, “You will rebuild”. As the word “Rebuild” echoed through the room, the Lutheran Men’s Voice Choir gave a memorable performance of “Wonderful, Beautiful Saviour”.
At the heart of the ceremony was the dedication of the new Executive Director of CIM. Rev. Dr. N. G. Matthew, a former Board of Studies member of CIM, commissioned Dr. Aby Alexandar to lead CIM. Following his dedication, Dr. Aby shared the plans and goals for the 25th year of CIM.
Indian Missions Association (IMA) General Secretary, Dr. Isaac Raja, delivered a profound message which is the need-of-the-hour. He urged CIM’s mission to extend to every part of our country.
He said, "I desire CIM to have the same standard that IBM has in the secular world”, challenging the staff of CIM to move at a pace faster and more efficiently than in the past. He said that the time has come for CIM to intervene and advocate on behalf of the Churches since it is no longer resisted by mission organisations. He ended with the encouraging words, “IMA has been with CIM right from its birth and we will continue to be your servant to serve you in the will of God”.
“CIM is a faith-based ministry”, said Mr. Varghese Jacob as he took the stage next. From working in IMA to becoming the first staff of CIM, Mr. Jacob has travelled a long and rewarding path of 28 years with CIM. He mentioned how it was a miracle every time the staff of CIM received their salary. He also remembered how the Lord moulded him through CIM, both mentally and spiritually.
The CEO of Christian Missions Charitable Trust, Mr. M. M. Philip and Mr. Prince Josiah Benjamin, a board member of CIM, were among a few others who shared their experiences as partner organisations and expressed their wishes and support to CIM as it entered its 25th year.
Later, Mr. J. S. Anbu launched the new CIM website and blessed it in the Name of our Triune God.
In the end, the vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Raja Christopher and the Closing Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Samuel Meshack.
The event ended with the participants sharing a time of fellowship with each other while enjoying tea and snacks, recollecting God’s goodness and faithfulness to CIM and to its beneficiaries from the beginning to date.